Palin and Clinton Crack the Glass Ceiling
Two Women Who Changed the Face of American Politics
Oct 20, 2008
Hillary Clinton and Sarah Palin come from different sides of the political aisle. However in their roles during the 2008 election, they have changed the face of the women's movement for the foreseeable future. Geraldine Ferrero opened the door a crack so that Clinton and Palin could walk through it.
Writing in the Telegraph (9/10/08), Anne Applebaum describes the differences between Clinton and Palin, crediting both with changing the face of American women in politics and that politics in America will never be the same after the election cycle of 2008.
Clinton: The Feminist Politician
Clinton has been described as the archetype, the Female American Politician,and the Powerful American Woman. Graduating from law school, she became active in the Childrens' Defense Fund. As the wife of President Bill Clinton, when he is was governor of Arkansas, she got her first taste of being in the political arena. After serving as First Lady, went on to become a Senator from New York against all odds. As a product of the feminist movement, her demeanor was evidence of the battle her generation fought to overcome the discrimination that was part of a woman's climb to the top of her profession. When she ran for President in 2008, the slurs and degradation she experienced during the primary season, even from members of her own party, helped to deny her the nomination. Nevertheless, 18 million Americans voted for her while members of her own sex often did not.
Palin The Post-Feminist Politician
Sarah Palin is part of the first generation of women who were born at the tail end of the baby boom or after it had ended. The revolution of the Sixties---sexual as well as political---were already taken for granted. Palin created an excitement among women because she was an example of a woman who could do it all. Like other women in the post-feminist period she confronted the demands of work and family and did it successfully. She has managed to raise five children while traveling the political road in Alaska, first as a small town mayor and then governor of the state. Her nomination as the Republican Party's candidate for Vice President put another face on that of a female politician.
Contrasts Between Clinton and Palin
Clinton, the liberal candidate and Palin, representing the conservative wing of the Republican party, are a contrast between their political philosophies. Clinton is for "Choice", Palin is "Pro Life" in regard to abortion.
However, there was also a difference in their political personas. Clinton wore pants suits during the campaign to emphasis her masculine side. Palin wore clothes that emphasized her femininity. Clinton was afraid to show her "toughness", Palin made a point of showing just how tough she is. Clinton has a quiet sense of humor, Palin's is sharp and witty. Clinton was cowed by the abuse of her own party, Palin fought back and finally won them over.
The differences point out the generational divide between Hillary Clinton, a product of the Feminist Movement that began with Susan B. Anthony and exemplified by Barbara Jordan, and now Sarah Palin, who has turned the Post-Feminist Movement on its head.
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